Top 10 Reasons to Ride the Dolomites

Truth be told, we could probably come up with a lot more reason to cycle one of the world’s most beautiful mountain ranges. And if you have never cycled this legendary countryside, you should consider it for your next big, epic trip!

These stunning passes and silky roads have made the Dolomites a mandatory destination on every cyclists’ “to do” list. Epic scenery, food, people, culture and wine – all bundled together with the perfect amount of of challenging territory.

Today’s ebikes keep the Dolomites in reach of the most timid cyclist. There has never been a better time than now to see what everyone is talking about.

Just to give you a sample of everything there is to experience in this special corner of Italy, here are our top 10 reasons you need to bike the Dolomites!

1) Protected UNESCO site for Geomorphology, Integrity and Beauty:

We’ve written in earlier posts why the Dolomites are unique in European mountain ranges. Because of their high concentration of calcium and magnesium composites, the Dolomites have a special and unique “glow” unlike any mountain range in the world.

And that makes them beautiful.

At any time of day, when the sunlight catches the bare rock, these majestic mountains reveal their raw, natural allure. It is no surprise they became a UNESCO heritage site in 2009 .

2) Easy Access:

You would think for such remote beauty you’d have to travel for hours – or days – to get to a seclusive location. In actuality, that isn’t the case at all.

You can grab trains from Milano and head straight to Bormio; or from Venice or Verona you can make your way to Bolzano or Belluno. Any of these stations in the north-eastern corner of Italy have excellent timetables and frequent running trains.

Thus, within a day, you could arrive at an international airport, grab a train and be in the Dolomites by dinner.

3) Epic Cycling:

Have we mentioned the biking?

You may think its only mountain passes and step climbs to be found in the mountains. What you may not realize is the elaborate network of bike paths throughout the valley floor, offering everything from flat carless paths to step ascents.

Many of these paths keep you off the main roads (which is where – obviously – most of the transport traffic from Austria and Italy remains). Once in Bolzano, you can remain on bike paths all the way to Trento for some exceptional cycling just south of these mountains.

The local municipality recognizes the charm of these mountains and has created this system for all the un-motorized two-wheeled enthusiasts.  They’ve come all this way to make the biking pleasurable. All you have to do is enjoy yourself on our Majestic Dolomites trip (which is easy to do).

4) Stunning Hiking and the Via Ferrata:

The Dolomites remain one of the most fascinating areas to hike. When you begin to consider the amount of WWI history in these mountains, you start to scratch the surface.

The Austrians and Italians were all over these mountains at the beginning of the last century. Hundreds of thousands of trail ways will lead you to new heights and new destinations. And, just like the bike paths, there are trails for all ability levels.

The Via Ferrata are a specific network of trails coupled with rock-climbing systems that will inspire you. During our Dolomites Hike and Bike departure with Enrico, you’ll see firsthand why this region of Italy is so special. In fact, you may never go back home!

5) Iconic Peaks:

Sass Pordoi, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, and Monte Civetta are just a few of the over- 3,000m peaks you’ll find in this area. The Lavaredo Peaks are some of the most photographed mountaintops in the world.

These high, solitary peaks are also home to one of Europe’s most impressive mountain hut systems. Known as the Alta Via 1, there is no more beautiful and peaceful place in the Dolomites to arrive by foot than this high mountain trail.

6)  Outdoor Adventure Center:

Bolzano is a major hub of university study and outdoor excitement.

Every summer they hold local completions by kayak, mountain bike and running. Outdoor enthusiasts practice many more sports in the summer and winter. You can also find a base for any kind of outdoor activity.

In the winter, Cortina beckons to the mainland Italians for its picturesque alpine village setting and its fabulous ski runs. Internationally known on the World Cup circuit, Cortina is not to be missed for the skiing or snowboarding aficionado in your family.

7) Picture Perfect Scenery:

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Dolomites is its ability to make each valley different from every other. Local photographers run landscape workshops every month into different corners of these mountains, getting the perfect exposure. Even Ciclismo Classico’s own resident photographer Frank Yantorno has moved with Dana Geraghty into these mountains for the epic skiing and for the extraordinary photography.

The springtime heralds the unique flora of the Alpine world, found deep within the Val Gardena. Gentians, edelweiss, rhododendron, and lilies tease and dance in the mountain breezes, as the local children run among them.

8)  Rich and Intriguing History:

The Marmolada glacier is still home today to some of the most incredible military engineering feats of the early 20th C.

During WWI, the Austrian army built an entire “city of ice” within the glacier. They carved tunnels and lookout posts through miles upon miles of ice. Many of these tunnels still stand today and are testimony to the ingenuity of the time.

The war museum in the valley is more accessible as is the outdoor museum of Lagazuoi. To consider the war was literally fought on the tops of these mountain peaks is mind-boggling. Yet testimony to the action is all around us in the Dolomites.

And we shall never forget Ötzi the Iceman who crossed these mountains thousands of years before any army. This well-preserved mummy from 3300 BC, has his own cozy home today, in a Bolzano museum.

9)  Mangia! Italian Cuisine with an Alpine Twist:

Italy is famed for its delicious cuisine. In the Dolomites, that cuisine has a touch of influence from neighboring Austria. Highlights include the best apple strudel you’ll ever taste, blueberry pie, casunziei (ravioli stuffed with spinach or pumpkin) and tris di canederli (a form of dumpling containing cured ham and served in a tasty broth).

10)  Distinct Wine:

The Dolomites have a long winemaking tradition. The majority of grapes are white varietals, such as Pinot Grigio, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc. Red grapes are cultivated as well, including two indigenous varieties: Schiava and Lagrein. There are well-organized Strade dei Vini (wine trails) that are perfect for traveling on foot or by bike to sip and savor at local vineyards.

There you have it, our top ten! We dare you to come up with just one more reason to ride the Dolomites! Let us see what you’ve got in the messages below!